Navistar Selects South Carolina High School For New Diesel Tech Program

Navistar has selected the Richland 1 school district in South Carolina to launch an additional diesel tech program. High school students in Richland 1 will now have an opportunity to delve into diesel repair, including routine maintenance, transmissions, electrical systems, and brake systems.

"We are very excited to have been chosen for this wonderful program," said Sherry Rivers, principal of Heyward Career and Technology Center, where the South Carolina courses will be offered. Navistar toured a number of districts before choosing Richland 1 for its established career and technology programs that better equip high school grads to enter the workforce.

"Students certified in this program will be able to go anywhere in the world and get a job with any trucking company with an entry-level starting salary of $17/hour," said Navistar program coordinator David Prigge.

Navistar will provide all the equipment and tools needed for the program, which is scheduled to launch in January.

"In addition to classroom and lab instruction, students will be able to go on field studies, learn from guest speakers, participate in shadowing and internships, and work on collaborative projects with other classes," Rivers said. "These innovative approaches will maintain students' interest in the program. Our goal is to provide students with the academic knowledge as well as technical skills that will prepare them for a global competitive environment."